MANILA — One of the primary suspects in the hazing death of University of Santo Tomas (UST) law freshman Horacio “Atio” Castillo III, has returned to the country on Tuesday, more than three weeks after he left for Chicago in the US, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said.
BI Spokesperson Antonette Mangrobang confirmed that Ralph Trangia arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on board flight BR 271 from Taipei before noon on Tuesday.
“Mr. Ralph Trangia and his mother underwent regular arrival formalities in the BI Port Operations Division Office to avoid any unnecessary commotion at the immigration counter at the immigration counters and ensure his security,” the BI official said.
“He was escorted by the Philippine National Police thereafter,” she added.
Trangia was accompanied by his mother, Rosemarie, who was also with him when they left the country last September 19. He together with several others are facing murder, robbery, and anti-hazing law charges.
Meanwhile, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre said Trangia’s return is a good development in seeking justice for the death of Castillo.
“The return to the country of Mr. Ralph Trangia is a welcome development in our ongoing quest for justice for the death of Atio Castillo. Hopefully, Mr. Trangia’s return is covered in good intentions to clear his name and to tell the truth,” he said in a statement.
Aguirre is hoping that the member of the Aegis Juris Fraternity and his family will cooperate and to tell the truth regarding the incident.
“I encourage Mr. Trangia and his family to fully cooperate, to tell the truth and, as a future lawyer, to work for justice. And I again reiterate the DOJ’s invitation to anyone who knows anything about what happened to Mr. Atio Castillo to come forward and to tell the truth,” he added.
Castillo died after attending the “welcoming rites” of the said fraternity last September 16.
Authorities had confirmed that the cause of his death was a massive heart attack possibly due to the injuries he suffered from hazing. (Ferdinand Patinio and Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
